Printing machines



June 965 M. E. SALLACH ETAL 3,191,154

PRINTING MACHINES 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 IFF' cmc VGO 19+ MVEHMGiOM BOBEBLBHODEE? INVENTORS: MAX E. SALLACH CHARLES F. WEBER PRINTING MACHINESFiled Dec. 7, 1959 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS: MAX E SALLACH BYCHARLESF. WEBER June 22, 1965 M. E. SALLACH ETAL 3,191,154

PRINTING MACHINES Filed Dec. 7, 1959 'T Sheets-Sheet 3 FROM CIRCUIT 95FROM CIRCUlT 94 ROM ClRCUlT 93 FRQM CIRCUIT 92 FRQM ClRCUFY 9| TO DELAYREG\ST'ER l3! INVENTORS MAX E. SALLACH CHARLES F. WEBER Jig: 4

BY M441 M W June 22, 1965 M. E. SALLACH ETAL 3,191,154

PRINTING MACHINES 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Dec. 7, 1959 United StatesPatent 3,191,154 PREN'HNG IviACHINES Mair E. fiallaeh, Chesteriand, andCharles F. Weber,

Euclid, Ohio, assignors to Addressogaph-Multigraph Corporation,Cleveland, ()hio, a corporation of Delaware Filed Dec. 7, 1959, Ser. No.857,930 13 Claims. (Q1. 340172.5)

This invention relates to printing machines and more particularly to newand improved control apparatus for printing machines which is effectiveto control operation of a printing machine, or of auxiliary equipmentassociated with the machine, in response to code data. The controlsystem of the invention is particularly advantageous as applied to atransfer printer and is therefore described in that connection.

In one kind of printing machine, usually referred to as a transferprinter, the printing operation is carried out by transferring addressdata or other similar material from a pro-printed strip to a series ofbusiness instruments, such as magazines, promotional letters, insurancenotices, or the like. The master strip used by the transfer printer maybe prepared on any one of a variety of original printing machines; forexample, the master strip may be prepared on a high-speed facsimileprinter from data carried on conventional record cards, or it may beprinted on the master strip from conventional printing plates. In thepast, provisions have been made for selection of the data applied to themaster strip during the initial printing operation, to limit the dataapplied to the master strip to that desired for a given mailing or otherbusiness operation. In some instances, however, selection of data atthis stage of the printing operation may be undesirable or impractical,depending upon the source of the initial data and other re ated factors.Thus it may be possible to prepare several master strips simultaneouslyon the basis of an initial selection, such as the current subscribers toa given magazine. In using the master strip in a transfer printer, theentire list of addresses on the master strip may be utilized for somebusiness purposes, but it may also be desirable to select only certainaddressees from the list for other purposes, as in the case ofpromotional mailing intended only to reach persons whose magazinesubscription may expire Within restricted period. By the same token. aduplicate may be employed in preparing a further mailing to relativelynew subscribers, as in the promotion of a related publication.

Selective operation of a transfer printer, providing for printing ofonly selective items from a master transfer strip, presents a number ofproblems insofar as operation of the transfer printer and the selectionsystem are concerned. It is not usually practical or desirable to applyconventional punched code markings in the master strip, particularly inthose instances where the transfer printer must be adapted to operatewith master transfer strips prepared by any one of a number of differentoriginal printing machines. This difficulty can be obviated by using aprinted code marking on the master strip, prepared by the originalprinting machine at the same time that the master strip is prepared. Onthe other hand, the use of code markings of this kind introduces afurther problem in that different printing machines used to prepare themaster strip may present substantial variations in positioning of thecode markings relative to the addresses or other data on the masterstrip. The master strips are usually indexed and fed through thetransfer printer by means of sprockets or pin wheels having feed pinswhich engage in apertures at spaced intervals along the strips. Thespace allotted to a given item of data on the strip may coincide withthe space between two such feed apertures in the strip. Where individualtransfer ice strips are prepared on different original printingmachines, the printed data, including the code markings, may bedisplaced along the strip to a substantial extent, in one machine, ascompared with a strip prepared on another machine. Consequently, anycontrol system for the transfer printer which is to be actuated byprinted markings prepared by the same equipment which prepares themaster strip must be capable of compensating for substantial changes andvariations in the position of the markings along the strip. To a lesserextent, the control system must also be effective to compensate fordisplacement of the code markings transversely of the strip.

In addition to providing for selection of desired items from a givenmaster strip, it may also be desirable, in many instances, to controlauxiliary equipment associated with the transfer printer in accordancewith the nature or classification of data carried by the master strip.For example, it may be desired to count particular items printed by thetransfer printer, even though other items are also printed. It may alsobe necessary to count items not printed by the transfer printer in orderto determine future utility of duplicates of the same master strip. insome printing systems, an auxiliary printer may be associated with thetransfer printer, and it may be necessary to control operation of theauxiliary printer in accordance with the data on the master striputilized by the transfer printer. Then again, other printing systems mayrequire that the control system provide for acceleration of a conveyorstacker associated with the transfer printer or for other auxiliarycontrol functions such as the triggering of a visible or audible signalrelating to operation of the printer.

The control system of the present invention utilizes one or more controlmarks which are printed upon the master strip by the same printingmachine that prepares the master strip to be utilized in the transferprinter. Preferably, the control mark on the master tape is a solidrectangular mark which is approximately the same size as a printedcharacter, such as the letter H. In the usual four-line address system,the control marks are aligned with the four lines of an address orsimilar data on the strip. Any combination of one, two, three, or foursuch marks, aligned with different lines of the data, may be marked onthe master strip to indicate such diverse information as. in the case ofmagazine subscriptions, the effective date of the subscription, thetermination date of the subscription, geographical grouping,subscriptions to other publications, or any other pertinent data whichmay subsequently be of interest in control of the transfer printer orassociated equipment.

It is an object of the present invention, therefore, to control aplurality of different machine functions, in a transfer printer or likeapparatus, in accordance with code markings on a master print member,particularly where the code markings are generally similar to and may beformed by the same means as data characters on the master print member.

Another important object of the invention is to control a plurality ofmachine functions, in a transfer printer or like apparatus, inaccordance with one or more logical functions and in response to sensingof printed code markings.

A related object of the invention is to provide for substantialvariations in the machine operations subject to control and also forchanges in the logical basis of the control operation as between thevarious machine operations.

A particular object of the invention is to compensate, automatically,for minor variations in the positions of code marks on a master transfermember, utilized in a transfer printer to control operation of theprinter or associated apparatus.

A further object of the invention is to provide a means for adjustingthe control system of a transfer printer or like apparatus to permitautomatic control of the printer in response to code markings on masterprinting members prepared by varying techniques and on substantiallydifferent printing machines.

An additional object of the invention is to provide for the control ofdiverse functions, in a transfer printer or similar apparatus, inresponse to printed code markings on a transfer strip or the like, wherethe various control functions may require actuation of control devicesat varying times with respect to the sensing operation.

Other and further objects of the present invention will be apparent fromthe following description and claims and are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings which, by way of illustration, show a preferredembodiment of the present invention and the principles thereof and whatis now considered to be the best mode contemplated for applying thoseprinciples. Other embodiments of the invention embodying the same orequivalent principles may be made as desired by those skilled in the artwithout departing from the present invention and the purview of theappended claims.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a transfer printer including acontrol system constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged elevation view, in perspective, of a part of thecontrol system;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of a part of the control system;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an adjustable logical circuitincorporated in the control system;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram, partially schematic in form, of a controlsystem constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 6 is a detail schematic diagram of a scanning device andcoincidence amplifier which forms a part of the control system of FIG. 5

FIG. 7 is a detail schematic diagram of a driving circuit utilized inthe control system of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a detail schematic diagram of an output circuit for thecontrol system of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a detail schematic diagram of an adjustable timing circuitincorporated in the control system of FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 illustrates the plug board of the control system of FIG. 5,connected for a given combination of control functions;

FIG. ll is an illustration of the plug board, similar to FIG. 10, butshowing another function control arrangement;

FIG. 12 is a timing chart utilized to explain certain operations of thecontrol system; and

FIG. 13 illustrates a typical section of a transfer strip which may beemployed to control the control system of the invention.

The printing machine illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises a vertical frame 21mounted above a table 22 which, in turn, is supported upon a base frame23. On the vertical frame 21 there is mounted a supply reel 24 for amaster transfer strip 25. From the supply reel 24, the strip or tape 25extends around a pair of idler rolls 26 and 27 and into engagement witha tensioning idler 28. The tensioning idler 28 is mounted upon a supportarm or lever 29, as best shown in FIG. 2, the arm 29 being mounted uponthe vertical frame 21, as indicated by the reference numeral 31, forpivotal movement relative to the frame. A biasing spring 32 is connectedto the support arm 29 and biases the arm 29 toward movement in acounterclockwise direction, maintaining the tape 25 under tension.

From the tensioning idler 28, the master or transfer tape 25 extendsinto engagement with a drive sprocket or pin wheel 33. The sprocket 33is provided with a plurality of projecting pins 34 which engage inspaced apertures in the tape 25. From the pin wheel 33, as shown in FIG.1, the tape 25 extends into and through a printing station 35 and pastan idler 36 into engagement with a second drive sprocket or pin wheel37. The tape 25 is then threaded over a second tensioning roll 38, overan idler 39, and onto a pick-up reel 41.

The construction and operation of the printing machine 20, as thus fardescribed, is substantially conventional and is essentially similar tothat described and claimed in Patent No. 2,740,354 to John H. Gruverfiled July 22, 1950, and issued April 3, 1956. In operation, the masteror transfer tape 25 is fed from the supply reel 24, by means of suitabledrive apparatus connected to the two sprockets 33 and 37. The movementof the tape is not continuous, but rather is carried out in step-likemanner, the length of tape fed during each step being equal to thespacing between the pins 34 on the sprocket 33, this spacing being thesame as the spacing between the apertures 42 in the tape. The sprocket37, of course, is provided with suitable pins having approximately thesame spacing. As each incremental length 43 of the master tape 25 ispositioned at the printing station 35, a heated platen 44 which forms apart of the transfer printer is moved downwardly and presses the tape 25against a sheet or other member (not shown) to be printed, the latterbeing disposed upon a stationary platen 45. The printing machine 20 maybe ad usted to provide for two or more impressions from each of theincremental sections 43 of the master tape 25. This function of themachine operation, as well as others, may be subject to operation by thecontrol system described in detail hereinafter. When the desired numberof impressions have been taken from a given section of the master tape25, a further section 43 of the tape is fed into the printing station 35to condition the machine 20 for the next printing step. The tape 25, ofcourse, is ultimately stored on the take-up reel 41, after the printingoperation using the tape has been completed. During the printingoperation, the tensioning rolls 28 and 38 maintain the tape 25 undertension, yet permit rapid movement of the tape without breaking it.

A typical section of the master or transfer tape 25 is shown in detailin FIG. 13. As illustrated therein, each of the individual sections 43of the transfer tape may be provided with a plurality of lines of data;in this instance the data comprises addresses of the subscribers to amagazine or the like. In addition, a portion of each of the tapesections 43 is utilized to carry code data having to do with theindividual subscribers or other persons identitied by the printed data47 on the tape. Thus, each of the sections 43 may be provided with one,two, three, or four individual code marks aligned in any desired mannerwith the four lines in which printed data is arranged on the tape. Thus,in the upper section 43, as seen in FIG. 13, one code mark 48 isincluded in this section and is aligned with the second line of printeddata. In the other of the two tape sections 43 in this figure, two ofthe code marks 48 are included, and these are aligned with the secondand fourth lines of data. The code marks 48 are approximately the samesize as one of the characters in the printed data. However, the codemarks 48 need not be completely regular in size or configuration. If thetape 25 is prepared on a conventional facsimile type high-speed printingmachine, the marks 48 may be formed by effectively blanking out aportion of the tape corresponding generally to the maximum characteroutline of the facsimile reproduction system. The significance of thecode markings 48 will, of course, be determined by the nature of theselection or control operation to be accomplished. They may, forexample, pertain to the date and remaining duration of a subscription,or may have to do with other relatively diverse factors such asfinancial rating of the subscriber, subscriptions to other publications,or the like. In other applications, such as in the mailing lists used inconnection with insurance premiums, the data represented by the codemarkings 48 may, of course, represent virtually any desired factor whichmay be of significance in controlling operation of the transfer printer20.

In the control system of the present invention, the drive sprocket orpin wheel 33 is incorporated in and forms a part of a scanning systemfor etiectively reading the code markings 48. The principal scanningapparatus comprises a photocell unit 51 within which four individualphotocells are mounted. The photocell unit 51 further includes anoptical system, including a lens generally indicated by the referencenumeral 52, for focusing, on each of the photocells mounted within theunit 51, light reflected from the tape 25. A suitable mask 53 isincluded in the optical system of the scanning unit, being illustratedin FIG. 2, and is utilized to limit illumination of the photocells tolight reflected from a relatively narrow band extending transversely ofthe strip illumination for the photocells of the photocell unit 51 isprovided by a pair of lamps 55 mounted within a suitable housing 54. Themounting of the photocells within the housing 51 is such that eachphotocell is illuminated by light reflected from one of the tour linesof print on the master tape 25 (see FIG. 13).

The photoelectric sensing apparatus at the scanning station of theprinting machine 20 further includes a filth photocell which is notincorporated in the main photocell unit 51. This additional sensingelement is the photocell so, which is mounted upon a bracket 57 adjacenta predetermined point on the face of the drive sprocket 33. Anadjustable shutter 58 is mounted upon the sprocket 33 and is providedwith series of apertures 59. The angular spacing between the apertures59 is made to correspond to the angular displacement of the individualtape sections 43 around the periphery of the sprocket 33. in theillustrated arrangement, since each pair of apertures d2 defines anindividual tape section 43, the number of apertures 59 corresponds tothe number of pins 34 on the periphery of the drive sprocket. ln BIG. 2,the apertures 59 are shown aligned with the pins 34. However, theshutter 58 is adjustably mounted on the sprocket 33. as by means of aseries of screws 61 engaged in elongated slot 62 in the shutter member.This mounting arrangement for the shutter provides for substantialadjustment in the positions of the slots 59 relative to the pins 34, andthus permits adjustment of the slots relative to the individual sections43 of the master tape. This adjustment provision is of substantial valuein achieving accurate synchronization of the control system of theinvention, as explained in detail hereinafter.

Illumination for the photocell 56 is provided by a lamp 64 mounted in asocket 65 to illuminate the photocell 56 through the shutter 58, theposition of the lamp being best illustrated in Fifi. 3. The socket 65 issupported upon an adjustable bracket 66 which permits limited movementof the socket both in a horizontal direction and in a vertical directionto provide optimum illumination of the photocell 56 through theapertures in the shutter. Inasmuch as any suitable adjustable mountingarrangement can be used for the lamp, or a fixed mount ing may beemployed in conjunction with an adjustable mounting for the photocell56, the construction of the adjustable bracket 66 is not illustrated indetail in the drawings.

The general construction and operation of the control system comprisingthe photocell unit 51 and the photocell 56 may best be understood byreference to FIG. 5, in which the complete electrical system is shown inblock diagram form. In that figure, the four photocells mounted in themain scanning unit 51 are indicated by reference numerals 71, 72, 73 and74. The photocells used in this embodiment of the invention are of thephotoconductive type; that is, the impedance of the cell is varied byillumination from a normal relatively high value to iii an actuated orilluminated value which is very much lower than the normal impedance.Typically, the cells 71-74 may be of the lead sulphide, cadmiumsulphide, cadmium selenide and other similar types. Each cell, as notedhereinabove, receives light reflected from an individual line of type onthe tape 25.

The photocell 71 is connected in series with a resistor 75 between asuitable source of operating potential and ground, the operatingpotential source being indicated as 13+. The photocell is coupled to acoincidence amplifier $11 by a means of a suitable coupling capacitor76, the capacitor being connected between the amplifier and the terminal77 of the photocell circuit. The photocells 72, '73 and 74 are coupledby similar circuits to three additional coincidence amplifiers 82, 83and 84, respectively.

The gate or timing photocell 56 is connected in series with a resistor78 between a suitable source of operating potential, herein indicated as13+, and ground. The terminal 79 in this circuit is coupled to each ofthe four coincidence amplifiers 81-84 by a suitable coupling circuitincluding a series capacitor 80 and a shunt resistor 86, Thus, each ofthe coincidence amplifiers 81-84 is provided with two input circuits;one of these input circuits includes the gate photocell 56 and the otherinput circuit, in each instance, comprises one of the scanningphotocclls 7174.

The control system shown in the block diagram of FIG. 5 further includesfive core driver circuits 91, 92, 93, 94 and The output of thecoincidence amplifier 81 is coupled to the core driver circuit 91 and isalso coupled to the driver circuit 95. The second coincidence amplitierE52 is provided with an output circuit which is coupled to the drivercircuit 92. and also to the driver circuit 95. The coincidenceamplifiers 83 and 34 are similarly individually coupled to the coredriver circuits 93 and 94, respectively, and each is also coupled to thefifth driver circuit 5. Thus, each of the four driver circuits 9194 isprovided with an input signal from one of the coincide: ce amplifiers81-84, whereas the core driver circuit Q5 may be energized from any oneor all of the coin cider-.ce amplifiers.

The five core driver circuits Ell-d5 are individually connected to liveinput terminals 101, 162, m3, 104 and 165 on a plug board 1%. Inaddition to the input termina s Nil-18L, the plug board 196 includesfive horizontal rows 111, 113, 113, 114 and 115 of paired terminals,each row including ten terminal pairs. The terminals in these rows areutilized to set up the control program of the control system, asdescribed more fully hereinafter in connection with FIGS. 4, 10 and 11.In addition, the plug board res is provided with a further row ofterminals 11! which, as explained hereinafter, comprise the common orground terminals for the plug board circuit.

Each of the terminals in row 111, up to and including the first eightpairs of terminals in the row, is electrically connected to a logicalcore circuit 122. The logical core circuit 125. is shown in substantialdetail in FIG. 4. In considering the overall system illustrated in FIG.5, it is sufficient to understand that the first six pairs of terminalsin tow 111 of the plug board 166 are utilized to apply input signalsfrom the core driver circuits 91-95 to the logical core circuit 121 in anumber of different combinations such that the logical core circuit mayperform any one of a number of logical operations. For example, anddepending upon the connections on the plug board 1%, the core circuit121 may be connected to perform an and, or, or virtually any otherlogical fun"- tion. The output of the circuit 121 is returned to theplug board we in the ninth pair of terminals in the row 111 to provide ameans for selective connection of the logical core circuit 121 to anadjustable delay register 131. The register 131, in turn, is coupled toan output control circuit 141 which may be coupled to an electricallyactuated control member such as a relay, an operating solenoid, acounter, or the like.

The individual rows 112-115 of terminals on the plug board 106 areessentially similar to the initially described row 111. Thus, the pairsof terminals in the row 112 are individually associated with a secondlogical core circuit 122, the row 113 is eiTectively coupled to alogical circuit 123, and the rows 114 and 115 are coupled to logicalcore circuits 124 and 125, respectively. The core circuits 122-125 areeach provided with an output circuit which is connected back to the plugboard 106 and, from the plug board, to individual adjustable delayregisters 132, 133, 134 and 135. The control system is provided withfour additional output circuits 142, 143, 144 and 145, these circuitsbeing individually coupled to the adjustable delay registers 132, 133,134 and 135, respectively. Each of the output circuits 142-145 may besuitably coupled to an individual control device, such as a relay, orthe like, and may be utilized to control a different function of theprinting machine or some auxiliary apparatus associated with themachine.

In considering operation of the control system of FIG. 5. it may firstbe assumed that the photocells 56 and 71 are simultaneously actuated toapply two relatively short pulses to the coincidence amplifier 81. Atthe same time, of course, a similar signal is applied to the amplifiers82-84 from the circuit comprising the photocell 56. However, if no inputsignal is applied to these coincidence amplifiers from the photocells72-74, the coincidence amplifiers do not generate significant outputsignals. Thus, the coincidence amplifiers 81-84 are constructed toprovide significant output signals only when actuated by concurrentinput pulses, one of which pulses must originate with the gate or timingphotocell 56 and the other of which must originate with a particular oneof the sensing or scanning photocells 71-74.

With the construction described hereinabove for the photocell scanningunit 51, and using black marks such as the code marks 48 on the masterstrip 25 (see FIG. 13), the sensing or scanning photocells 71-74 arenormally illuminated to a substantial extent, and hence present arelatively low impedance in the sensing circuit. When one of the codemarkings 48 is interposed in the reflection path of one of the scanningphotocells, such as the cell 71, however, the impedance of the photocellrises rapidly, with the result that a negative-going pulse is applied tothe coincidence amplifier 81. Of course, such pulses are also applied tothe coincidence amplifier 81 during scanning of printed material on themaster 25, such as the address data 47 (see FlG. 13). However, thesepulses signals are usually of substantially shorter duration than thedesired code signals and, ordinarily, are considerably smaller inamplitude, since the printed data 47 does not include non-reflectingareas of the same size as the code marks 48.

The photocell 56 is normally masked by the shutter 58 (see FIGS. 2 and3) and thus is not normally illuminated by the lamp 64. However, whenthe photocell 56 is aligned with any of the shutter apertures 59, thephotocell is illuminated, so that its impedance drops substantiallybelow its normal or unilluminated value. When this occurs, anegative-going pulse appears at the terminal 79 and is applied to thecoincidence amplifiers 81-84. Thus, in the illustrated system, theconstruction of the photocell circuits is such that the scanningphotocells 7'- 74 and the gate photocell 56 each apply negative-goingpulse signals to the coincidence amplifiers. This arrangement is aconvenient one, but need not be adhered to, depending upon theconstruction of the coincidence amplifiers.

As noted hereinabove, the coincidence amplifier 81 generates a usuableoutput signal only when input signals are applied thereto simultaneouslyfrom the photocells 56 and 71. Consequently, any signals applied to theamplifier 81 during movement of ordinary printed matter past thephotocell 71 may be prevented from actuating the control system simplyby making sure that actuation of the photocell 56 cannot occursimultaneously therewith. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the cell markings48 are not located immediately adjacent the printed data 47 on themaster tape 45. Instead, a blank space is interposed, in each instance,between the address data and the code data. Consequently, the shutter 55may be adjusted to afiord the desired coincidence in scanning of thenarrow zones in which the code markings 48 are located on the tape andactuation of the photocell 56 by illumination through the shutterapertures 59. Accordingly, the gate photocell 56 alfords an effectiveand positive means for distinguishing between the code markings 48 andthe printed data 47, and prevents any possible actuation of the controlsystem as the result of scanning of the printed data 47.

The output signals from the coincidence amplifiers 81-84 are utilized,as noted hereinabovc, to provide five different output signals from thecore driver circuits 91-95. The provision of the fifth driver circuit95, which is actuated each time any one of the coincidence amplitiers81-84 supplies an output signal thereto, provides for substantiallygreater flexibility in operation of the logical control system thanwould otherwise be possible. This aspect of the invention is describedin detail hereinafter, particularly in connection with FIGS. 4, 10 and11. Considering FIG. 5, it is suificient to note that the provision ofthe cumulative or multiple-line signal from the driver circuit 95 makesit substantially easier to realize a number of different logicalfunctions in the operation of the logical core circuits 121-125.

At the plug board 106, numerous connections are made between the inputterminals 101-105, the logical core circuit terminals 111-115, and theadditional terminals 116 to program each of the logical core circuits121-124 to control a given machine operation, or a related operation, inaccordance with a particular desired combination or series ofcombinations of code markings on the master strip used in the transferprinter. For example, by making certain connections on the plug board1%, the logical core circuit 121 may be conditioned to generate anoutput signal only upon scanning of a control marking by the onephotocell 71. By changing these connections, however, the logical corecircuit may be conditioned to develop a suitable output signal uponscanning of any desired combination of control markings by any of thecells 71-74. Stated differently, the connections on the plug board 106may condition the logical circuit 121 to perform virtually any desiredlogical function based upon any combination of code markings. The outputsignal from this circuit is applied to the delay register 131 and isutilized to control some function of the printing machine or auxiliaryequipment.

In a given instance, the circuits 131 and 141 may be utilized to controlprinting at the printing station 35 (see FIG. 1) of the machine 20.Obviously, this control cannot be exercised instantaneously withscanning, since the scanning position is displaced to a substantialextent from the printing station. That is, the particular tape section43 being scanned, at any given instant, does not coincide with thesection located at the printing station 35. In fact, with theillustrated machine, scanning of the tape section occurs approximatelysix cycles of machine operation before that same tape section reachesthe printing station. Accordingly, the delay register 131 musteiiectively store the output signal from the logical core circuit 121until the master tape has been advanced through the machine by sixadditional cycles. On the other hand, in some instances a shorter orlonger delay interval may be desired. Thus, it might be necessary, insome applications, to provide an audible warning to the machine operatorimmediately before a particular tape section reaches the printingstation 35 so that the operator can interrupt the machine operation ormake some control adjustment of the machine.

In this instance, it is necessary for the delay register 131 to operateafter a lesser number of cycles to apply a suitable control signal tothe output circuit 141. The preferred form of delay register illustratedin FIG. 9 permits adjustment of the delay to any number of machinecycles within a substantial range, in this instance ten machine cycles.This feature of the invention makes it possible for the control systemof FIG. to control a Wide variety of machine operations, or auxiliaryequipment associated with the machine, without making any structuralchange in the control system itself, yet Without affecting, in any way,the accuracy of timing of controlled operations.

FIG. 6 illustrates a typical circuit for the coincidence amplifier 31 ofMG. 5, and also includes the operating circuit for the scanningphotocell 71. Since the coincidence amplifiers 81-84 are essentiallysimilar to each other, the circuit of FIG. 6 may be considered torepresent any one of these circuits.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the amplifier circuit 31 may comprise aninitial amplifier stage including a triode section 151 having a cathode152, a control electrode 153, and an anode 154. The control electrode153 is coupled to the photocell 71 through an input circuit comprisingthe capacitor 76 and an input resistor 155, the resistor 155 beingreturned to a suitable source of operating potential designated as C.The cathode 152 is grounded and the anode 154 is connected to a suitablepotential source E+ by means of a load resistor 156. Thus, the triodesection 151 is connected in a very simple amplifier circuit.

The next stage in the circuit 81 comprises a second triode section 157having a cathode 153, a control electrode 159, and an anode 161. Theinput circuit to this stage of the amplifier 31 includes a capacitor 162which is coupled between the anode 154 of triode section 151 and thecontrol electrode 155 of triode section 157. The input circuit furtherincludes an input resistor 163 connectcd to a potentiometer 154, thepotentiometer 164 being connected in series with a bias resistor 165between a source of operating potential D and ground. A diode 166 isconnected in parallel with the input resistor 163. The cathode 158 ofthis stage of the amplifier is grounded. The anode 161 of triode section157 is connected through a load resistor 167 to the center terminal 168of a voltage divider comprising a pair of resistors 169 and 171. Thevoltage divider is connected between the voltage source 13+ and ground.

The anode 161 in the amplifier triode 157 is coupled by a capacitor 172to the control electrode 173 of a triode section 174, the triode section174 forming one-half of a coincidence amplifier which also includes afurther triode section 175. The input circuit to the triode section 174also includes an input resistor 176 which is connected between thecontrol electrode 173 and the voltage source The cathodes 178 and 179 ofthe triode sections 174 and 175, respectively, are each grounded. Theanodes 182 and 183 are connected to each other and to a load resistor184, the load resistor 184 being connected to the center terminal 135 ofa voltage divider comprising the two resistors 186 and 137 which areconnected in series between the voltage source E-land ground. Thecontrol electrode 181 of the second triode section 175 is connected tothe operating circuit of the photocell 56 and specifically back throughthe capacitor of the photocell circuit. By reference to FIG. 5, it isseen that the input circuit to the triode section 175 is essentiallysimilar to that for the triode section 174, the resistor comprising theinput resistor for the second triode section, The oulput circuit for theamplifier 81 includes a coupling capacitor 188 which is connected to theanodes 182 and 183 and to the core driver circuits 91 and 95, a diode181 preferably being inserted in series in the input circuit to the coredriver circuit to prevent feedback from the other coincidence amplifiers8284.

As noted hereinabove, the photocell 71 operates by a reduction inrellccted light which reaches the photocell from the master tape 25, thelight being supplied from the lamps 55 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). Thephotocell 55, on the other hand, worlts by direct illumination from thelamp 64 through the shutter 58 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). Accordingly, theoutput signals from the photocell 71 are normally substantially weakerthan those from the photocell 56, since light from sources other thanthe lamps 55 is always present to some degree and prevents completecut-oil of illumination of. the photocell 71 and also be cause the codemarkings 4-8 cannot be relied upon to eliminate completely the reflectedlight from the lamps 55. For this reason, it is desirable to ailordsuificicnt amplification to bring the pulse signals from the photocell71 up to approximately the same amplitude level as the pulses from thephotocell 56. This is accomplished by the first two stages of theamplifier 81, comprising the triode stages 151 and 157. Thus, these twostages of the amplifier 81 are used primarily to amplify the outputsignal from the photocell 71 to approximately the same amplitude levelas signals from the cell 56. in a typical machine, all of the voltagesources such as 13+, C, D and E+ are provided by rectification from asuitable A.C source, usually a. 60-cycle source. The biasing and inputcircuit for the triode section 157 affords an effective means forbucking out fill-cycle pulsations and other noise otherwise present inthe output signal from the amplifier stage 151, so that the use of theamplifier 151, 157 does not introduce extraneous and undesirable pulsesignals in the coincidence amplifier stage 174, 175.

Normally, and in the absence of applied signals, the two triode sections174 and of the amplifier 81 are maintained conductive, the controlelectrodes 173 and 151 each being held at relatively high positivepotential with respect to the cathodes 172 and 179, respectively. Anegative pulse signal from the amplifier 1.57, applied to the controlelectrode 173, tends to reduce conduction in the triode section 174 to asubstantial extent. The triode section 175', however, remains highlyconductive, and there is little or no change in the operating potentialon the anodes 182 and 183. On the other hand, if a negative pulse issimultaneously applied to control electrode 173 and to the controlelectrode 151 of the triode section 175, conductivity in both triodesections is substantially reduced, with the result that both of theanodes 182 and 183 are driven positive with respect to their normaloperating potential. Stated differently, a negative-going pulse appliedto either of the control electrodes 173 and 131 of the coincidenceamplifier does not cause the ampliher to generate a significant outputsignal, in this instance a positive pulse, unless a corresponding inputpulse is applied to the other of the two control electrodes.Accordingly, the output signal applied to the circuits 91 and 95 occursonly when input signals are available from both the gate photocell 56and the scanning photocell 71.

FIG. 7 illustrates, in schematic form, the core driver circuit M.However, this circuit is essentially similar to the remaining coredriver circuits 52-95 (see FlG. 5), and the same circuit may be used foreach of the core driver devices.

The core driver circuit 91 of HG. 7 comprises a thyratron 191 includinga cathode 1933, a control electrode 193, a shield electrode 194, and ananode 195. The input circuit connected to the control electrode 193includes a bypass capacitor 196, a series resistor 197, and an inputresistor 198, the latter being returned to a negativepolarity potentialsource here indicated as F. The anode 195 is connected through asuitable resistor 199 to the operating source E+ and is bypassed toground by a means of a capacitor 231. The shield electrode 194 isgrounded. The cathode circuit of the thyratron 191 includes a resistor202 which is connected in series with an input winding 2113 upon asynchronizing storage device comprising a magnetic core 2%, the cathodecircuit being terminated at ground. A diode 205 is connected in shuntrelation to the series combination of the resistor 202 and the windingThe core 2134 is a conventional magnetic core, preferably having asubstantially rectangular hysteresis characteristic. and is utilized asa synchronizing and timing device in the driver circuit 91 as describedmore [ally hereinafter,

The core 204, in addition to its input winding 203, is provided with aread-out or interrogation winding 205 and an output winding 21%. Theoutput winding 206 is connected in series with a resistor 210 and thecontrol electrode 263 of a second thyratron 207, sometimes referred toas the pul enerator thyratron. The input circuit of the pulse generatorthyratron is returned to the negativepolarity operating source F-. Theshield electrode 209 of the pulse generator thyratron 207 is connectedto the anode 211, the cathode being connected in series with a resistor212 in the output circuit of the thyratron. Since it is the driver stage91 which is shown in FIG. 7, the output resistor 212 is in this instanceconnected to the plug board terminal 101. The other similar stages ofthe driver circuits 92-95 of course, connected to the remaining plugboard terminals res-res respectively, as illustrated in PEG. 5. Theanode 213 of the thyratron 207 is connected to the operating sourcethrough a resistor 21-4 and is also returned to ground through a seriescircuit comprising a capacitor 215 and inductance 216.

The read-out or interrogation winding 205 of the sync itTlZlliilOit core2-84 is connected in series with the cor- Ltlll windings in each of thecircuits 92-95, one

are,

attains oi the series-connected windings being returned to grou, d. Asshown in PEG. 7, the other terminal of the interrogation winding circuitis connected to a camcontrallcd switch 213 which is actuated by a cam219 that is incorporated in the printing machine and rotates through acomplete revolution during each cycle of machine operation. The physicalconstruction and location of the switch 213, and other similar switchesdescribed hereinafter, have not been shown in the drawings, since anysuitable cam-actuated switch structure or similar device may be used orthis purpose. The switch 218 is connected to the operating source E+through a capacitor storage circuit comprising a series resistor 221 anda shunt c rcuit including a resistor 222 and a capacitor 223, the shuntcircuit being returned to ground.

As noted hcreinabove, the initial control signal from the coincidence 81comprises, in each instance, a positivopolarity pulse. Normally, thethyratron 191 is ma ntained non-conductive, but the pulse from circuit:11 is oi suilicient amplitude to trigger the thyratron and therebycause it to conduct. When the thyratron conducts, the resulting currentthrough winding 203 is efiiective to change the magnetic state of thesync core 204, thereby recording in the core the fact that an initialcontrol signal has been received from the circuit 81.

To read out data from the core 294, the switch 218 is closedmomentarily, discharging the capacitor 223 and applying an interrogationpulse to the winding 205 and also to the corresponding readout windingson the synchronization cores in the other core driver circuits 92-95(see F1 3. 5). if the magnetic state of the core 204 has been changed byoperation of the initial stage of the circuit 9t, energization of theinterrogation winding 204 causes a reversal in the magnetic state of thecore, back to its original state, and generates an output pulse in thewinding 2% This output pulse is of positive polarity and is efiective totrigger the thyratron 207 into conduction, generating an actuatingsignal in the anodccathode circuit of the thyratron 207. This actuatingsignal is supplied to the plug board terminal 101 and may be utilized inoperating any one of the logical core circuits 121-125, as describedhereinafter. It should be noted that all or" the synchronization storagedevices, such as the core 2M, in the core driver circuits areinterrogated simultaneously, thereby guaranteeing simultaneousapplication of actuating signal pulses from the driver circuits E i-5 tothe plug boaro 1% and hence to the logical core circuit 121-125. Thissimultaneous operation of all of the core driver circuits is effectiveto compensate for any variation in the timing of the signals applied tothe driver circuits from the coincidence amplifiers 81-84, which mightbe caused by displacement of the code marks 48 in a direction parallelto the lines of printed matter 47 (see FIG. 13) on the master tape. Theillustrated circuit permits synchronization of the actuating signalpulses to within one microsecond, despite much larger variations intiming of the scanning and gate signals.

FIG. 4 illustrates the logical storage device 121 and the circuitryinterconnecting that device with the individual terminals in the row 111of terminals on the plug board 1%. As shown therein, each of the firstsix pairs of terminals in the terminal row 111 is connected to anindividual input winding associated with the device 121. The device 121itself preferably is a conventional mag netic storage core having anapproximately rectangular hysteresis characteristic and actuatablebetween two stable magnetic states. The individual coupling elements orwindings for the core, connected to the first six pairs of terminals,are constructed in a manner such that actuating signals from any of thecircuits 91-95, if applied to any one of the core windings, is notsufiicient to change the magnetic state of the core. Instead,energization of two of the windings is necessary, in each instance, inorder to change the magnetic state of the core. Stated differently, thenumber of turns in each of the windings is made such that the effectiveampere turns applied to the core 121 by an output signal from any of thecircuits 91-95 is very slightly larger one-half the number of ampereturns necessary to alter the magnetic state of the core. The furtherwinding connected to the seventh pair of terminals in the row 11] is areadout winding.

FIG. 4 also shows the terminal column 116; as illustrated therein, thisrow of terminals on the plug board is grounded. In addition, the eighthpair of terminals in each of the terminal rows 111-115 is also grounded.The ninth pair of terminals in the row 111 are connected to each otherand are also connected to one of the terminals in the seventh pair bymeans of a diode 225. The terminals of the tenth pair, on the otherhand, are connected to each other, and one of these is connected to thedelay register 13-1 as described hereinafter in connection with E16. 9.It should be understood that the connections for plug board terminals111 are illustrative of the connections for the terminals in rows112-115, and that each of the latter rows of terminals is associatedwith one of the logical cores 12"-125 in essentially the same manner asthe core 121 is associated with the plug board terminals 111. The firstsix pairs of terminals in the row 111 afford an effective means formodifying the logical function of the magnetic core device 121 bychanging the actuating signals applied to the input windings of thecore, the seventh terminal pair affords an output circuit for thelogical core device 121, the eighth terminal pair is provided only tomake convenient connections to ground, and the ninth and tenth terminalpairs provide adjustable means for coupling the logical cores to thedelay registers 131-135.

The core 121 is also provided with an interrogation winding 226, one endof which is connected to the voltage source E+ through a resistor 227and is returned to ground through a series circuit comprising a resistor22d and a storage capacitor 229. The other end of the readout orinterrogation winding 226 is connected to a switch 231 associated withthe delay registers of the control systcm and illustrated in detail inFIG. 9. In considering operation of the logical core circuit 121, it issufiicient to note that the switch 231 can be closed periodically todischarge the capacitor 229 through the winding 226 and thereby initiatea readout operation. The other logical 13 core circuits of the controlsystem are, of course, provided with similar readout circu tarrangements.

In considering operation of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 4,comprising the logical core 121 and a portion of the plug board 106, atypical simple connection for the logical core may be assumed and isillustrated in dash lines in FIG. 4. Thus, the input terminal 103 may beconnected through the third pair of terminals in row 111 to one of thecommon or ground terminals 116. Similarly, the input terminal 105 may beconnected to the input winding associated with the fifth pair ofterminals in row 111 and thence to ground. In the illustratedarrangement, the direction of current flow necessary for changing thecore 121 from a normal or unactuatcd state to an actuated or recordingstate is from the top row of the terminal 111 to the bottom row, asindicated by the symbols plus and minus in FIG. 4. Thus, the inputterminals 103 and 105 are connected for a positive recording or writingoperation.

With the connections illustrated in dash lines in FIG. 4, application ofa recording or actuating signal to any one of the input terminals 101,102 or 194 has no effect upon operation of the core 121, since theseterminals are not connected or otherwise effectively operatively relatedto the core. Of course, if an output signal is available from any of thecircuits 91, 92 or 94, a signal is also available from the drivercircuit 95, which produces an actuating signal each time any of theother core driver circuits is actuated, as described hereinabove inconnection with FIG. 5. However, an input signal applied to terminal 105alone is not effective to change the magnetic state of the core 121since, as noted hereinabove, the circuit construction is such that onlyslightly more than one-half the number of ampere turns necessary toalter the magnetic state of the core is provided by energization of anyone of the input windings connected to the first six pairs of terminalsfor the core. On the other hand, any time that actuating signals aresimultaneously applied to terminals 103 and 105 from circuits 93 and 95,respectively, the core 121 is driven from a normal magnetic state to anactuated or recording state. Actually, this occurs any time an outputpulse is available from the circuit 93, since circuit 95 always developsan actuating pulse simultaneously therewith.

During each cycle of machine operation, the switch 231 is closed for ashort interval to apply an interrogation pulse to the winding 226, thisaction taking place after recording has been accomplished, if anyoccurs. If the core 121 is in its normal or non-recording state,application of the interrogation pulse to the winding 225 does notmaterially effect the magnetic condition of the core and does notproduce an effective control signal in the winding connected to theseventh pair of terminals. If, on the other hand, the magnetic state ofthe core 121 has previously been changed by simultaneous application ofinput signals thereto from the terminals 103 and 105, the interrogationby energization of the winding 226 restores the core 121 to its originalmagnetic state and generates a substantial output pulse in the outputwinding 232, provided, of course, that the output winding is returned toone of the eighth pair of terminals and hence afford a complete outputcircuit. The control signal may be applied to the delay register 131,and this is accomplished by affording a connection between the ninth andtenth pairs of terminals in row 111.

Because the input windings to the core 121 each provide for one-half thenumber of ampere turns required to change the magnetic state of thecore, complete inhibiting may be achieved by passing any but signals inthe reverse direction through an input winding of the core, from minusto plus. The reverse-polarity signal is then effective to nullify awrite-in signal passed through the core in a normal direction andprevents a change of state of the logical core 121. The control signalsfrom the core are terminated in both the seventh and ninth pairs ofterminals 111 of the board in order to afford an effective and simplemeans for applying the output pulse from any one core 121-125 to any ofthe five delay register 131-135 (FIG. 5). Thus, and as is made apparentby the illustrative showing in FIG. 4, any one of the logical cores canbe connected at the plug board to apply an output signal to the delayregister 131. Furthermore, the illustrated plug board arrangement makesit possible to bypass the series diode 225 in the output of the core 121to afford a convenient means for inhibiting the output of any onelogical core by the operation of any of the other cores.

FIG. 10 illustrates a typical plug board arrangement for actuating fivedifferent functions; that is, this plug board arrangement is effectiveto provide five distinct output signals applied to the five delayregisters 131-135. Row 111 of terminal pairs on the plug board is connccted a described hereinabove in connection with FIG. 4 to provide foractuation of the first delay register 131 to control a first function inresponse to scanning of a mark in the third line of the fourlines ofprinted data on the master. The second row of terminal pairs, row 112,is connected to actuate the second delay register 132 (see FIG. 5)whenever marks occur in lines 1 and 2 of the master tape controlmarl-tings. The third row 113 of the plug board, as shown in FiG. 10, isconnected to control a third function associated with the delay register133 in response to an occurrence of a mark in the third line on a mastertape, except when a mark occurs in line 4. That is, the connections inthis instance are the same as those for the terminal row 111 except thatthe input terminal N14 i connected in reverse to the fourth pair ofterminals in row 113 and provides for in hibition in response to anoutput signal derived from a scanning of a mark in the fourth line onthe tape.

The connections to the fourth row of terminals are such that a fourthfunction, associate- 1 with the delay register 134, is actuated inresponse to output signals representative of marks in lines 1, 2, 3 and4 on the tape. Thus, each of the input terminals 161-104 is connected ina positive direction through the first four pairs of terminals,respectively, in row 114. The fifth input terminal 165, on the otherhand, is connected in reverse and back again in reverse through thewindings associated with the fifth and sixth pairs of terminals in row114. Accordingly, in order to supply the requisite number of ampereturns to the logical core 124 associated with the terminal row 114, itis necessary for all four of the input terminals 101-164 to beenergized.

The connections to terminal row 115, on the other hand, are againdifferent. In this instance, marks occurring in either of lines 1 and 2on the master are effective to actuate the logical core associated withterminal 115 except when control marks occur in lines 3 or 4.

FlG. ll afiords a further illustration of the Wide variety of controlfunctions which can be accomplished simply by modifying the connectionat the plug board 166. In this arrangement, input signals appearing atterminal ltli or terminal 102, which are indicative of control marksappearing in the first and second lines, respectively, on the mastertape, provide alternate means to control a first function by means ofoutput signals supplied to the first delay register 131. Of course, aninput signal must also appear at terminal 105. A second function,controlled through the delay register 132, may be actuated by marksoccurring in the first or second lines on the master tape except whenmarks occur in both of the lines 1 and 2. That is, the plug board is nowconnested so that the output of the logical core associated Withterminal row 113, core 123, is effective to inhibit the output of thelogical core 122 associated with plug board terminals 112. Finally, inthe arrangement of FIG. 11, marks in the first and fourth lines, whichprovide input signals at terminals ltll and 10-1, are effective toactuate a fourth function associated with the delay register 134connected to the terminal row 114. In addition, the final terminal row115 is connected so that this fourth function is also controlled by thelogical core 125 that controls the fourth function associated with thedelay register 134. Stated diiierently, the output side of the plugboard, comprising the ninth and tenth rows of terminals, is connected sothat output signals from either of the logical cores 124 and 125 areefiective to control the fourth delay register 134. The delay register135 is not used in the arrangement shown in FIG. 11.

By considering FIGS. 10 and 11, it is apparent that the control systemof the present invention makes it possible to control at least fivedifferent machine operations or other functions in accordance withvirtually any desired logical arrangement relating to scanning of marksin the four positions available on the master tape (see FIG. 13) andscanned by the cells 71-74 (FIG. 5) by virtue of the four correspondinginput signals appearing at terminals 101-104 and the generic signalappearing on the terminal 105. In fact, the provision of the specialcontrol signal on the terminal 105 may be used to add to or subtractfrom, the actuating signal pulses on terminals 101-104 in a manneraffording complete inhibit control at the plug board.

FIG. 9 illustrates, in substantial detail, the adjustable delay register131, which may be considered to be typical of and essentially similar toeach of the registers 132- 135. The delay register 131 includes eightoutput terminals 241-248 ranging from zero delay to maximum delay forthe register, which in this instance is provided with seven storage ordelay stages. As indicated by the movable contact 249, any of the outputterminals 241-248 can be connected to the output control circuit 141,the output circuit for the register 131 including a series diode 251.The initial or zero-delay output terminal 241 is directly connectedthrough a resistor 252 to the tenth terminal of terminal row 111 on theplug board 106 (see FIGS. 4 and 10) and, when connected to the contact249, provides for control of any functions which should be actuatedimmediately upon occurrence of an output signal from a logical corecircuit connected to this terminal at the plug board. For example, onscanning of a given combination of control marks, it may be imperativeto initiate operation of some auxiliary equipment effective to feed aspecial print-receiving sheet into the printing station of the machine,and this auxiliary feeding operation may take the same time as isrequired to feed the scanned section of the transfer tape into theprinting station. Under these circumstances, the output terminal 241provides an undelayed control signal effective to operate the auxiliaryapparatus.

The input circuit comprising the resistor 252 is also connected inseries with a resistor 253 and an input winding 254 on a first core 255,the circuit being terminated at ground. The core 255, in addition to theinput winding 254, is also provided with an interrogation winding 256and an output winding 257. The core 255 is only one of two cores in thefirst stage of the delay register 131, the second core 258 beingprovided with an input winding 259, an interrogation winding 261, and anoutput winding 262. The output winding 257 of the core 255 is connectedin a series circuit including a diode 263, a resistor 264, and the inputwinding 259 of the core 258, the two ends of the series circuit beinggrounded. A second diode 265 is connected between ground and the commonterminal 266 of the resistor 264 and the diode 263. The output winding262 of the core 258 is connected between the second output terminal 242and ground, thereby completing the first stage of the delay register.

The second stage of the delay register comprises a pair of cores 267 and268. The output winding 262 of the first-stage core 258 is connected tothe input winding 269 of the second-stage core 267 by a circuitessentially similar to that connecting the windings 257 and 259.

Similarly, thc output winding 271 of the core 267 is connected to theinput winding 272 of the second core 268 in this stage by a similarcircuit. The initial core 267 in the second stage is, of course,provided with an interrogation or readout winding 273, whereas the core268 is provided with an interrogation winding 274 and an output winding275. The output winding 275 is connected to the third output terminal243 of the delay register and is also connected to the input winding ofthe next stage in the register. It is thus seen that the seven storagestages of the register 131 are each essentially similar to the othersand each of these storage stages is connected to one of the outputterminals 242-248.

All of the interrogation windings such as the windings 256 and 273 onthe lower or initial group of cores in the delay register 131 areconnected in series with each other in an advance circuit 278. Oneterminal 277 of this series circuit 278 is connected to the potentialsource E+ through a resistor 279, the terminal 277 also being returnedto ground through a storage circuit comprising a resistor 281 and acapacitor 282. The other terminal 283 of the advance circuit 278 isconnected to a normally closed switch 284 which is controlled by a camdevice 285, a diode 286 being connected in series between the terminal283 and the switch 284. The other side of the switch 284 is returned toground through a pair of relay contacts 287. The switch 284 is openedfor a relatively short period during each cycle of machine operation, asdescribed more fully hereinafter.

Similarly, the interrogation windings such as the windings 261 and 274on the upper group of cores are all connected in series with each otherto form a second advance circuit generally designated by the referencenumeral 288. One end of the advance circuit 288 is connected to theterminal 277 and the other terminal 289 of this series circuit isconnected through a diode 291 to the normally open switch 231. The otherside of the switch 231 is also returned to ground through the relaycontacts 287. The switch 231 is ganged with the switch 284 for operationby the cam 285; if desired, a single-pole doublethrow switch may be usedin place of the two switches 231 and 284.

In considering operation of the delay register 131, as illustrated inFIG. 9, consideration must be given to the sequence in which theoperating circuits of the register are actuated, this timing sequencebeing discussed in greater detail hereinafter in connection with FIG.12. During an initial machine cycle, however, it may be considered thatthe first operation that takes place in the delay register 131 is theapplication of a signal pulse to the interrogation or advance circuit278, this action being effected, with the switches 231, 284 in theirnormal positions, by closing the relay contacts 287 for a relativelyshort interval as described hereinafter. If no data is presentlyrecorded in any of the cores in the lower row, comprising cores 255 and267, this initial actuation of the advance circuit 278 does not changethe effective operating condition of any portion of the delay register.

Subsequently, and during the same cycle of operation, a control signalmay be received from terminal 111, column 10, of the plug board 106,this signal being applied to the winding 254 and being efliective tochange the magnetic state of the core 255 from a normal to an actuatedor recording condition. Thus, an initial data item is recorded in thefirst stage of the delay register 131. However, no output signal is asyet developed from the delay register, since the output terminal 243 towhich the output circuit contact 249 is connected is effectivelyisolated from the first stage of the delay register. In the illustratedarrangement, read-out of the logical core circuit or circuits connectedto the delay register 131 is accomplished by operation of the cam 285 toactuate the normally open switch 231 to closed condition. The switch 231closes when the switch 284 opens. With the switch 231 closed, the relaycontacts 287 are closed, applying a reset signal to the logical coresand also to the reset or advance line 288 of the delay register. Thissignal is effective to establish the core 258 in an original orunactuated magnetic state, thereby preparing the core for subsequentrecording of data. The resetting of the core 258 may also generate anoutput signal in the coil 262, if data has previously been recorded inthe core and this signal current also flows through the coil 269 and iseffective to change the magnetic state of the core 267 from its initialcondition to an actuated or recording condition. Thus, the recorded datais transferred from the core 258 to the first core 267 in the secondstage of the delay register. An output signal may thus be developed atthe terminal 242, but is not utilized because this terminal is notconnected to the output contact 249 of the delay register.

During a second machine cycle, this sequence of operations is repeated.Thus, during an early part of the second machine cycle, the relaycontacts 287 are closed,

applying a reset or advance signal to the advance circuit 278. In thisinstance, the reset circuit is effective to reset the core 255 to itsoriginal magnetic state, thereby generating an output signal in theoutput coil 257. The output signal from the coil 257 is effectivelyapplied to the input coil 259 of the core 258, so that the datapreviously recorded in the core 255 is now transferred to the core 258.

Thereafter, and still in the second cycle of operation, the cam 285again operates to open the switch 284 and close the switch 231. Therelay contacts 287 are again closed, applying a reset signal to theadvance or reset circuit 288. At the same time the logical core circuitsare interrogated, and a further bit of information may be recorded inthe coil 255, or, depending upon the operation of the control circuitspreceding the delay register in the control system, there may be no datarecorded in the initial core 255 during this cycle of operation. Thecore 268 is efi'ectively re-set or restored to its original magneticstate and an output pulse is generated in the output coil 275 of thiscore. Of course, if core 258 has been actuated, previously, from itsoriginal to an actuated condition, this core is also restored to itsoriginal condition. The output signal generated in the coil 275 in thecore 268 energizes the input coil of the core 292 and records theinitial data item therein. Similarly, any data item recorded in the core258 is transferred to the core 267. In this instance, however, assumingthe core 268 has previously been changed from its initial to itsactuated magnetic condition, the output signal generated in the coil 275is transmitted through the adjustable contact 249 and the circuitassociated therewith to the control output circuit 141. Thus, since theoutput from the delay register is taken from the terminal 243, anyfurther change in the remaining stages of the register is notsignificant with respect to operation of the control output circuit 141.On the other hand, if the adjustable contact 249 is connected to asubsequent one of the output terminals, such as the terminal 248,operation continues as described hereinabove until the output signalappears at that output terminal.

FIG. 8 illustrates, in substantial detail, a preferred form of thecontrol output circuit 141 for the system illustrated in FIG. 5.Moreover, this circuit may also be considered to be representative ofany of the other output control circuits 142-145, since these circuitsmay all be essentially similar to that shown in FIG. 8. In thisconnection, it should be noted that it is not essential to use anyparticular number of combinations of delay register and control outputcircuit such as the combination 131, 141; in the described embodiment ofthe invention, five such combinations are shown, but the number can bevaried in accordance with the requirements of the machine or machineswith which the control system is associated. Furthermore, it is notessential that the number of delay 18 register and output controlcircuit combinations correspond to the number of logical core circuitssince, as described hereinabove in connection with FIG. 11, two logicalcore circuits may be utilized to control one delay register and this maybe extended to include even additional core circuits associated with asingle delay register. Moreover, as will be apparent from the foregoingdiscus sion of the plug board 106 and its operation, a single logicalcore circuit may etTectively control a plurality of delay registers andtheir associated output control circuits.

The control output circuit 141 of FIG. 8 comprises a thyratron 301having a cathode 302, a control electrode 303, a shield electrode 304,and an anode 305. The control electrode 303 of the thyratron 301 iscoupled to the delay register 131 by an input circuit comprising acapacitor 306 and a bias resistor 307, the bias resistor 307 beingreturned to the negative potential source F. The input impedancecomprises a resistor 308 and a blocking capacitor 309 connected inseries with each other and returned to ground. The cathode 302 andshield electrode 304 are both grounded.

The output circuit of the thyratron 301 includes a load resistor 311connected to the anode 305 of the thyratron and having the operatingcoil 312 of a relay 313 connected in series therewith. A capacitor 310is preferably connected in parallel with the relay coil 312, and aresistor 314 may be connected in series with the capacitor. The anodecircuit of the thyratron 301 is connected to the voltage source E+through a normally closed cam-controlled switch 315 actuated by a cam316. As indicated in FIG. 8, the cam-controlled switch 315 is alsoutilized to control operation of the other output control circuits142-145, being connected in the operating circuits thereof in the samemanner as shown for circuit 141.

The cam-controlled switch 315 is a single-pole doublethrow switch, thenormally open terminal 317 of the switch being connected in series witha resistor 318 and the operating coil 319 of a relay 321, the otherterminal of the coil 319 being returned to ground. The contacts 287 ofthe relay 321 are utilized, as described hereinabove, in controllingoperation of the delay register 131 (see FIG. 9). An alternate operatingcircuit for the relay coil 319 is also provided by a cam-operated switch322, actuated by a cam 323, which connects the resistor 318 back to thevoltage source E+. The switch 322 is a normally open single-polesingle-throw switch.

The construction of the relay 313 is not critical to the presentinvention. In the illustrated arrangement, the relay is provided withnormally open contacts 324 and normally closed contacts 325 which may beutilized to connect an output circuit 326 to a suitable A.C. powersupply, the circuit arrangement including a switch 327 for adjusting therelay either to energize a print control device or other control deviceor to de-energize the same. Any desirable arrangement of relay contactsand control circuitry may be used in conjunction with the relay 313without in any way departing from the present invention.

Operation of the output control circuit 141 is quite simple, since thiscircuit functions primarily as a con trolled energizing circuit for therelay 313. Thus, during any given cycle of machine operation, a controlsignal from the delay register 131 may be applied to the controlelectrode of the thyratron 301, thereby firing the thyratron. When thethyratron becomes conductive, the relay coil 312 is energized, actuatingthe relay 313 and effectively controlling any desired machine functionor related operation. In the next cycle of machine operation, and beforethe next readout from the delay register, the switch 315 is actuated bythe cam 316 to open the anode circuit of the thyratron, de-energizingthe tube until such time as a further energizing signal is received fromthe delay register 131, either during that cycle or a. subsequent cycleof machine operation.

In order to reach a more complete understanding of 19 the operation ofthe control system of FIG. and the associated circuits and devices shownin FIGS. 4 and 6-11, a timing chart has been provided in FIG. 12 toillustrate in detail a typical Operating sequence during a given cycleof machine operation. It should be understood that this timing sequenceneed not be adhered to exactly, but is an example of a practical andeffective timing arrangement.

In the timing chart of FIG. 12, the movement of the printing machineplaten 44 is shown in the portion generally indicated by the referencecharacter 331. Considering the entire cycle of machine operation torepresent 360 of movement, as of the cam shaft controlling the variouscam-operated switches, it is seen that the platen begins its downwardmovement approximately after the beginning of the cycle. The actualprinting operation, for the particular machine illustrated in FIG. 1, isaccomplished approximately between 165 and 245 of the operating cycle.The advance in movement of the tape is initiated after approximately ofthe printing cycle have elapsed and is completed before the printingoperation at the 165 point.

The first of the control switches to be actuated is the switch 315 ofFIG. 8. As indicated in FIG. 12, the switch 315 is actuated from itsnormal closed position to its alternate position engaging the contact317 during a time interval corresponding approximately to 20 of themachine cycle and beginning at the 40 point in the cycle. During thisinterval, indicated by the reference numeral 332, the anode circuit ofthe thyratron 301 of the output control circuit 141 (FIG. 8) is opened,rendering the thyratron non-conductive and conditioning it for asubsequent control operation in response to a signal from the delayregister 131. At the same time, an energizing circuit is establishedfrom the potential source 13+ through the switch 315, the resistor 318,and the relay coil 319 to ground. Accordingly, the relay 321 isenergized, closing the contacts 287 and effectively energizing theadvance circuit 278 of the delay register 131 (see FIG. 9). Accordingly,during the time interval 332 (FIG. 12) the output control circuit 141 iseffectively de-energized and the lower row of cores in the delayregister is reset, transferring any data stored therein to the cores inthe upper row of the delay register 131. At the same time, of course,each of the other output control circuits 142-145 is tie-energized anddata is advanced one-half stage in the delay registers 132-135.

Thereafter, and after the switch 315 returns to its normal position asillustrated in FIG. 8, the switch 218 in the readout circuit for thecore driver circuit 91 (FIG. 7) is actuated from its normal openposition to its closed position, thereby resetting the storage orsynchronizing core 204 and applying an actuating signal to the plugboard terminal 101, if the core 204 had previously been actuated fromits normal to its recording or actuated mag netic state. The same actiontakes place, of course, in the core driver circuits 92-95, all of whichare coupled to the switch 218 in the same manner as circuit 91. In FIG.12, actuation of the switch 218 is shown as occurring in the timeinterval between 130 and 190 of the machine cycle, as indicated by thereference numeral 333. At approximately 150 in the machine cycle the cam285 operates to actuate the switches 231 and 284 (FIG. 9), opening theswitch 284 and closing the switch 231 for a time interval extending toapproximately 210 of the machine cycle as indicated by the numeral 334in FIG. 12. Shortly thereafter, as indicated generally by the referencecharacter 335, the control switch 322 is actuated (see FIG. 8) toenergize the relay 321 a second time. Accordingly, the reset circuit 288of the control delay register 131 is energized, resetting each of thecores in the upper row of the delay register and transferring any datastored therein to the cores in the lower row. The same reset action, ofcourse, is also accomplished in the other delay registers 132-135.Moreover, in this portion of the cycle any data present in the delayregister stages connected to the output circuits 141145 are e1-fectively read out and used to energize the output circuits as describedhereinabove. As shown in FIG. 12, the switch 322 is preferably returnedto its normal open condition before the switches 231 and 284 have beenreturned to their normal operating condition, so that, the switches arealways actuated under no-load conditions. FIG. 12 also indicates thetiming for the scanning operation necessary to actuate the entirecontrol system; as shown therein, the gate photocell 56 should beilluminated during the period of tape movement at a time not coincidentwith actuation of the switch 315 or the switches 231 and 284.

In order to afford a more complete description of the preferredembodiment of the invention, certain specific circuit data are set forthhereinafter in tabular form. It should be understood that this materialis presented solely by way of illustration and in no sense as a limitation on the invention.

Figure 6 Photocell 71 Lead sulphide cell. Dual triode 151, 157 Type6211. Dual triode 174, 175 Type 6211. Diode 166 Type DR314. Diode 189Type HD6001. Resistor 1 megohm. Resistor 155 1.8 megohm. Resistors 156,167 47 kilohms. Resistor 163 470 kilohms. Resistor 169 27 kilohms.Resistor 171 3.9 kilohms. Resistor 176 3.3 megohms. Resistor 184 330kilohms. Resistor 186 27 kilohms. Resistor 187 8.2 kilohms. Capacitor 760.02 microfarads. Capacitors 162, 188 0.02 microfarads. Capacitor 1720.02 microiarads.

Figure 7 Thyratron 191 Type 5696. Thyratron 207 Type 5727. Diode 205Type 2257. Resistor 197 270 kilohms. Resistor 198 470 kilohms. Resistor199 1 megohm. Resistor 202 1.5 kilohms. Resistors 210, 212, 222 10 ohms.Resistor 214 1 megohm. Resistor 221 kilohms. Capacitor 196 0.002microfarads. Capacitors 201, 223 0.047 microfarads. Capacitor 215 0.022microfarads. Inductance 216 0.75 millihenries.

Figure 8 Thyratron 301 Type 5696. Resistor 307 470 kilohms. Resistor 308220- kilohms. Resistors 311, 318 10 kilohms. Resistor 314 0.68 kilohms.Capacitor 309 750 micro microfarads. Capacitor 313 0.01 microfarads.

Operating voltages Volts Source B+ +100 Source C l.5 Source D 75 SourceE+ Source F- 9 From the foregoing description, it will be apparent thatthe control system of the present invention is efiective to control aplurality of different machine functions, in a transfer printer such asthe printer 20, in accordance with the relatively simple code markings48 (see FIGS. 1 and 13) and that the code markings may be essentiallysimilar to data characters on the master print member 25 used in thetransfer printer. Control may be effected in accordance with virtuallyany desired logical function, this flexibility being achieved by thecombination of the plug board 106 and the series of logical cores121-125 interconnected therewith. The use of a separate signal channel,connected to the plug board, and carrying a signal representa tive ofsensing of characters in any of the code marking positions, as providedby the core driver circuit 95 (see FIG. 5) is of material advantage inexpanding the scope of logical functions which may be handledconveniently at the plug board 106. Complete compensation is effectedfor variations in the positions of the code markings by the use of theadjustable shutter 53 for the gate photocell 56 and also by the use ofsynchronization storage stages in each of the core driver circuits 9l95.The adjustable delay registers of the invention, such as the register13i, make it possible to use the control system in conjunction withcontrol operations which may require actuation of any one of a number ofdifferent time intervals following the sensing operation, these timeintervals being measured in terms of integral numbers of machineoperating cycles.

Hence, while we have illustrated and described the preferred embodimentof our invention, it is to be understood that this is capable ofvariation and modification, and we therefore do not wish to be limitedto the precise details set forth, but desire to avail ourselves of suchchanges and alterations as fall within the purview of the followingclaims.

We claim:

1. A control system for controlling operation of a printing machine inresponse to code markings on a master print member, said systemcomprising: photosensitive scanning means for generating a plurality ofindividual actuating signals each indicative of the presence of a codemarking at a given one of a corresponding plurality of code positions onsaid master print member; means for generating an auxiliary actuatingsignal indicative of the presence of a code marking at any of said codepositions,

all of said actuating signals being approximately equal in amplitude; aplurality of logical control devices, each operable in response to twoof said actuating signals applied thereto in additive relation; meansfor modifying the effective logical function of each of said controldevices independently of the others, said modifying means includingmeans for applying said actuating signals to said logical controldevices; and a plurality of control output devices, electrically coupledto and actuated by said logical control devices.

2. A control system for controlling operation of a printing machine inresponse to code markings on a master print member, said systemcomprising: photosensitive scanning means for generating a plurality ofindividual actuating signals each indicative of the presence of a codemarking at a given one of a corresponding plurality of code positions onsaid master print member; means for generating an auxiliary actuatingsignal indicative of the presence of a code marking at any of said codepositions, all of said actuating signals being approximately equal inamplitude; a plurality of logical control devices, each comprising astorage element actuatable from a normal condition to a storagecondition in response to two of said actuating signals applied theretoin additive relation; means for modifying the effective logical functionof each of said control devices independently of the others, saidmodifying means including a plurality of independent coupling elementsassociated with each of said storage elements and adjustable connectionmeans for connecting said coupling elements to said scanning means andsaid auxiliary signal generating means to apply said actuating signalsto said logical control devices in any additive or subtractivecombination; and a plurality of control output devices, electricallycoupled to and actuated by said logical control devices.

3. A control system for controlling operation of a printing machine inresponse to code markings on a master print member, said systemcomprising: photosensitive scanning means for generating a plurality ofindividual actuating signals each indicative of the presence of a codemarking at a given one of a corresponding plurality of code positions onsaid master print member; means for generating an auxiliary actuatingsignal indicative of the presence of a code marking at any of said codepositions, all of said actuating signals being approximately equal inamplitude; a plurality of logical control devices, each comprising amagnetic core storage member having a plurality of input windings and anoutput Winding and actuatable from a normal magnetic condition to anactuated condition in response to two of said actuating signals appliedto two of said input windings in magnetically additive relation; meansfor modifying the effective logical function of each of said controldevices independently of the others, said modifying means includingmeans including an adjustable connection board for connecting saidactuating signals to said input windings of each of said logical controldevices in any desired combination; means for applying an interrogationsignal to said logical storage devices to generate control signals insaid output windings representative of the magnetic condition of saidcores; and a plurality of control output devices, electrically coupledto said output windings and actuated by said control signals.

4. A control system for controlling operation of a printing machine inresponse to code markings on a master print member, said systemcomprising: photosensitive scanning means for generating a plurality ofindividual actuating signals each indicative of the presence of a codemarking at a given one of a corresponding plurality of code positions onsaid master print member; means for generating an auxiliary actuatingsignal indicative of the presence of a code marking at any of said codepositions, all of said actuating signals being approximately equal inamplitude; a plurality of logical control devices, each operable inresponse to two of said actuating signals applied thereto in additiverelation; means for modifying the effective logical function of each ofsaid control devices independently of the others, said modifying meansincluding means for applying said actuating signals to said logicalcontrol devices; a plurality of delay registers each independentlyeffective to delay an applied signal by a time interval equal to anadjustably selectable number of machine cycles; means for coupling saidlogical control devices with said delay registers to apply said controlsig. nals to said delay registers; and a plurality of control outputdevices, each electrically connected to and actuated by one of saiddelay registers.

5. A control system for controlling operation of a cyclically operableprinting machine in response to code markings on a master print member,said system comprising: photosensitive scanning means for generating aplurality of individual actuating signals each indicative of thepresence of a code marking at a given one of a corresponding pluralityof code positions on said master print member; a plurality of logicalcontrol devices, each operable independently of the others and inresponse to said actuating signals, and each effective to generate anindependent control signal; means for modifying the effective logicalfunction of each of said control devices independently of the others,said modifying means including means for selectively applying saidactuating signals to said logical control devices; a plurality of delayregisters each independently effective to delay an applied signal by atime interval equal to an adjustably selectable number of machinecycles; means for coupling said logical 23 control devices with saiddelay registers to apply said control signals to said delay registers;and a plurality of control output devices, each electrically connectedto and actuated by one of said delay registers.

6. A control system for controlling operation of a cyclically operableprinting machine in response to code markings on a master print member,said system comprising: photosensitive scanning means for generating aplurality of individual actuating signals each indicative of thepresence of a code marking at a given one of a corresponding pluralityof code positions on said master print member; a plurality of logicalcontrol devices, each operable independently of the others and inresponse to said actuating signals, and each etfective to generate anindependent control signal; means for modifying the elfective logicalfunction of each of said control devices independently of the others,said modifying means including means for selectively applying saidactuating signals to said logical control devices; a plurality of delayregisters each independently effective to delay an applied signal by atime interval equal to an adjustably selectable number of machinecycles, said delay registers each including a plurality of stages eachincluding first and second magnetic cores, the second core of each stagehaving an output winding coupled to an input winding on the first coreof the next succeeding stage, said output windings each being coupled toan output terminal, said delay registers each further including anadjustable output coupling element connectable to any one of said outputterminals; means for coupling said logical control devices with saiddelay registers to apply said control signals to said delay registers;and a plurality of control output devices, each individuallyelectrically coupled to the output coupling element of one of said delayregisters.

7. A control system for controlling operation of a cyclically operabletransfer printing machine in response to printed code markings alignedwith individual lines of printed matter on a transfer tape, said systemcomprising: means for moving a predetermined length of said tape past ascanning station and into a transfer printing station during each cycleof machine operation; photosensitive scanning means, including a groupof scanning photocells located at said scanning station, for generatinga plurality of individual actuating signals each indicative of thepresence of a code marking in a given line on said transfer tape; aplurality of logical control devices, each operable independently of theothers and in response to said actuating signals, and each efiective togenerate an independent control signal; means for modifying theefiective logical function of each of said control devices independentlyof the others, said modifying means including means for selectivelyapplying said actuating signals to said logical control devices; aplurality of delay registers each independently effective to delay anapplied signal by a time interval equal to an adjustably selectablenumber of machine cycles, the maximum time delay of said registers beingat least as long as the total number of machine cycles required toadvance said tape from said scanning station to said printing station;means for coupling said logical control devices in any desiredcombination with said delay registers to apply said control signals tosaid delay registers; and a plurality of control output devices, eachelectrically connected to and actuated by one of said delay registers.

8. A control system for controlling operation of a cyclically operableprinting machine in response to code markings on a master print member,said system comprising: photosensitive scanning means for generating aplurality of initial control signals each indicative of the presence ofa code marking at a given one of a corresponding plurality of codepositions on said master print member; a plurality of synchronizationstorage devices, individually coupled to said scanning means and eachactuatable from a normal condition to a recording condition in responseto one of said initial control signals; a

plurality of logical control devices, each responsive to appliedactuating signals; means for modifying the effective logical function ofeach of said logical control devices independently of the others, saidmeans including means for applying actuating signals to said logicalcontrol devices; read-out means, coupling said storage devices to saidmodifying means, for simultaneously generating actuating signalsindicative of the condition of all of said storage devices and applyingsaid signals to said logical control devices; and a plurality of controloutput devices, electrically coupled to and actuated by said logicalcontrol devices.

9. A control system for a printing machine in which a master printmember bearing code markings is moved through a code-scanning stationand into a printing station, said control system comprising: a pluralityof photosensitive scanning dcvices, located at said scanning station,for generating scanning signals indicative of the presence or absence ofsaid code markings; a gate circuit, independent of said scanningdevices, for generating a gate signal coincident in time with saidscanning signals; a plurality of coincidence circuits, each connected toone of said scanning devices and to said gate circuit, for generatinginitial control signals indicative of time coincidence between said gateand scanning signals; a plurality of synchronization storage devices,each individually coupled to one of said coincidence circuits andactuatable from a normal condition to a recording condition in responseto one of said initial control signals; a plurality of logical controldevices, each responsive to applied actuating signals; means formodifying the effective logical function of each of said logical controldevices independently of the others, said means including means forapplying actuating signals to said logical control devices; read-outmeans, coupling said storage devices to said modifying means, forsimultaneously generating actuating signals indicative of the conditionof all of said storage devices and applying said signals to said logicalcontrol devices; and a plurality of control output devices, electricallycoupled to and actuated by said logical control devices.

10. A control system for a printing machine in which a master printmember bearing code markings is moved through a code-scanning stationand into a printing station, said control system comprising: a pluralityof photosensitive scanning devices, located at said scanning station,for generating scanning signals indicative of the presence of said codemarkings; a gate circuit, independent of said scanning devices, forgenerating a gate signal coincident in time with said scanning signals;a plurality of coincidence circuits, each connected to one of saidscanning devices and to said gate circuit, for generating initialcontrol signals indicative of time coincidence between said gate andscanning signals; means, comprising a coupling circuit connected to allof said coincidence circuits, for generating an auxiliary initialcontrol signal indicative of the presence of a code marking at any ofsaid code positions; a plurality of synchronization storage devices,each individually coupled to one of said coincidence and couplingcircuits and actuatable from a normal condition to a recording conditionin response to one of said initial control signals; a plurality oflogical control devices, each responsive to applied actuating signals;means for modifying the effective logical function of each of saidlogical control devices independently of the others, said meansincluding means for applying actuating signals to said logical controldevices; read-out means, coupling said storage devices to said modifyingmeans, for simultaneously generating actuating signals indicative of thecondition of all of said storage devices and applying said signals tosaid logical control devices; and a plurality of control output devices,electrically coupled to and actuated by said logical control devices.

11. A control system for a printing machine in which a master printmember bearing code markings is moved through a code-scanning stationand into a printing station, said control system comprising: a pluralityof photosensitive scanning devices, located at said scanning station,for generating scanning signals indicative of the presence or absence ofsaid code markings; a gate circuit, independent of said scanningdevices, for generating a gate signal coincident in time with saidscanning signals; a plurality of coincidence circuits, each connected toone of said scanning devices and to said gate circuit, for generatinginitial control signals indicative of time coincidence between said gateand scanning signals; a plurality of synchronization storage devices,each individually coupled to one of said coincidence circuits andactuatable from a normal condition to a recording condition in responseto one of said initial control signals; a plurality of logical controldevices, each responsive to applied actuating signals independently ofthe others and each effective to generate an independent control signal;means for modifying the effective logical function of each of aidlogical control devices independently of the others, said meansincluding means for applying actuating signals to said logical controldevices; read-out means, coupling said storage devices to said modifyingmeans, for simultaneously generating actuating signals indicative of thecondition of all of said storage devices and applying said signals tosaid logical control devices; a plurality of delay registers eachindependently effective to delay an applied signal by a time intervalequal to an adjustably selectable number of machine cycles; means forcoupling said logical control device in any desired combination withsaid delay registers to apply said control signals to said delayregisters; and a plurality of control output devices, electricallycoupled to and actuated by one of said delay registers.

12. A control system for a printing machine in Which a master printmember bearing code markings is moved through a code-scanning stationand into a printing station, said control system comprising: a pluralityof photosensitive scanning devices, located at said scanning station,for generating scanning signals indicative of the presence of said codemarkings; a gate circuit, independent of said scanning devices, forgenerating a gate signal coincident in time with said scanning signals;a plurality of coincidence circuits, each connected to one of saidscanning devices and to said gate circuit, for generating initialcontrol signals indicative of time coincidence between said gate andscanning signals; means, comprising a coupling circuit connected to allof said coincidence circuits, for developing an auxiliary initialcontrol signal indicative of the presence of a code marking at any ofsaid code positions; a plurality of synchronization storage devices,

each individually coupled to one of said coincidence and couplingcircuits and actuatable from a normal condition to a recording conditionin response to one of said initial control signals; a plurality oflogical control devcies, each responsive to two simultaneously appliedactuating signals of given minimum amplitude; means for modifying theeffective logical function of each of said logical control devicesindependently of the others, said means including means for applyingactuating signals to said logical control devices; read-out means,coupling said storage devices to said modifying means, forsimultaneously generating actuating signals indicative of the conditionof all of said storage devices and ap lying said signals to said logicalcontrol devices, said actuating signals being larger than said minimumamplitude but substantially smaller than twice said minimum amplitude;and a plurality of control output devices, electrically coupled to andactuated by said logical control devices.

13. A control system for controlling operation of a cyclically operableprinting machine in response to code markings on a master print member,said system comprising: photosensitive scanning means for generating aplurality of individual actuating signals each indicative of thepresence of a code marking at a given one of a corresponding pluralityof code positions on said master print member; a plurality of logicalcontrol devices, each operable independently of the others and inresponse to said actuating signals, and each effective to generate anindependent control signal; means for modifying the effective logicalfunction of each of said control devices independently of the others,said modifying means including means for selectively applying saidactuating signals to said logical control devices; a plurality of outputtrol devices, each independently effective to carry out a controloperation in response to an applied control signal; and means forselectively coupling said logical control devices to said output controldevices to apply said control signals thereto.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,708,267 5/55Weidenhammer 340l72.5 2,782,398 2/57 West 340172.5 2,872,666 2/59Greenhalgh 340-172.5 2,954,731 10/60 Durand et al. 101-93 MALCOLM A.MORRISON, Primary Examiner.

5O IRVING L. SRAGOW, Examiner.

1. A CONTROL SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING OPERATION OF A PRINTING MACHINE INRESPONSE TO CODE MARKINGS ON A MASTER PRINT MEMBER, SAID SYSTEMCOMPRISING: PHOTOSENSITIVE SCANNING MEANS FOR GENERATING A PLURALITY OFINDIVIDUAL ACTUATING SIGNALS EACH INDICATIVE OF THE PRESENCE OF A CODEMARKING AT A GIVEN ONE OF A CORRESPONDING PLURALITY OF CODE POSITIONS ONSAID MASTER PRINT MEMBER; MEANS FOR GENERATING AN AUXILIARY ACTUATINGSIGNAL INDICATIVE OF THE PRESENCE OF A CODE MARKING AT ANY OF SAID CODEPOSITIONS, ALL OF SAID ACTUATING SIGNALS BEING APPROXIMATELY EQUAL INAMPLITUDE; A PLURALITY OF LOGICAL CONTROL DEVICES, EACH